Search
shop

British triathlon star David McNamee announces his retirement and sport’s big names pay tribute

A two-time podium finisher at the IRONMAN World Championship, 36-year-old Scot decides the time is right to bow out as a pro.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

David McNamee, a two-time podium finisher at the IRONMAN World Championship, has announced his retirement from the sport and the T100 Triathlon World Tour Grand Finale in Dubai this weekend will be his last professional race.

And to underline the high regard in which he’s held by his peers, the great and the good of triathlon have been quick to praise his accomplishments and wish him well in the future.

Advertisement

What a journey

Writing on Instagram, the 36-year-old Scot said: “Retirement Time 🕰️

“The journey and the people I’ve met have meant more to me than any race result.

“Thank you to everyone who have made the last 20 years so special.

“Triathlon has allowed me to have experiences I could never have dreamt about growing up.

“However even wonderful things have to come to an end. Physically and mentally I know that this time for me is now.

“T100 Dubai will be my last race as a professional athlete.

“Looking forward to one final finish line 🍻”

Showing the way

McNamee was third at the IRONMAN World Championship in both 2017 and 2018, the only British man to make the podium at long-distance racing’s most celebrated event.

He finished 13th at Kona last month in 7:57:48, one of a record 16 men to break the eight hours mark and his quickest time on the Big Island.

He’s currently in the top 25 in the world rankings and other highlights this season include a runner-up spot at IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz and a fourth place at T100 Singapore.

David McNamee at IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
David McNamee took second at Vitoria-Gasteiz [Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images for IRONMAN]

But to underline his sentiment about the “journey and the people I’ve met” meaning more than any race result, his fellow pros were united in showcasing the qualities he’s exhibited during that career.

Patrick Lange, who won the IRONMAN World Championship for a third time a couple of weeks ago, posted: “David. It’s been the greatest of pleasures to twice share the biggest podium in the world with you. 🔥 congrats on all your achievements and all the best for the future.”

Short-course great Vincent Luis, who is in the process of making a permanent move up in distance, said: “Thank you Dave for all the moments shared together. Always straight to the point when I had questions, even if I still cannot understand half of what you’re saying 🤣 see you in Dubai!”

Advertisement

Massive respect

Marten Van Riel is another Olympian who has made a brilliant switch up to middle distance and is in pole position to become the first ever men’s T100 World Champion in Dubai as well as the current world number one. He added: “A great man on and off the course 👊 Looking forward to race one more time in Dubai mate 🔥🤝.”

That was echoed by Jelle Geens, who just got the better of fellow Belgian Van Riel last time out at T100 Lake Las Vegas: “Congrats on an amazing career amigo! It’s been a pleasure training with you and having your guidance these last couple of years! I’m sure we’ll see each other again very soon!”

And it’s not just McNamee’s fellow athletes who have been fulsome in their praise. Coaching great Dan Lorang, who has also looked after the likes of Jan Frodeno and Anne Haug as well as Lucy Charles-Barclay and Taylor Knibb, posted: “Hey David, nice journey you did! It was also a pleasure to work with you some years ago for two Kona podiums. Enjoy the last race as much as possible and all the best for the next part of your life!”

As well as his on-course exploits, McNamee has also been one of the sport’s most articulate and respected voices off it and currently serves on the Professional Triathletes’ Organisation’s Athlete Board.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth run 2023 photo credit Challenge Roth
Laura Siddall signs off amazing pro career in fitting place at beloved Challenge Roth
Kristian Blummenfelt wins 703 Aix en Provence 2025
Triathlon rival accepts superstar Kristian Blummenfelt’s challenge with cheeky Insta message
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping line lunge 2025
New European Champion Caroline Pohle suffered ‘hate on social media’ after protest upheld
Alex Yee thumbs up Paris Olympics 2024 photo credit world triathlon
Superstar Brit Alex Yee launches his own triathlon to inspire next generation into the sport
Lisa Tertsch Cassandre Beaugrand Beth Potter Hamburg WTCS 2024 Photo credit: Tommy Zaferes / World Triathlon
WTCS Hamburg 2025: Start time, preview and how to watch live
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...